Tough time as thousands graduate from Lincoln

Over 2,500 students are graduating from the University of Lincoln this week across nine ceremonies, celebrating the rewards of several years’ hard work.

However, if studying seemed hard, job searching might be worse, with a quarter of UK graduates not being in full-time employment three years after graduation.

Almost 28% of UK graduates from 2007 were still not in full-time employment by 2010, according to data obtained by The Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa).

The figure is based on 49,065 graduate responses gathered by Hesa which showed that over a fifth of students were now back in education or only working part-time.

One University of Lincoln student graduating this week has stood out from the mould. Roanna Fox (21), has climbed on the employment ladder as HR Executive for Lincoln’s newest hotel, Double Tree by Hilton.

Roanna Fox found employment the day she graduated.

Fox first met with the Double Tree team at the university’s Graduate Employment Fair last November, where she was encouraged to send in her CV by one of the hotel’s Directors, Ricard Farrar.

“I introduced myself at the fair and then completed an application form, after which, I was invited for an interview and was fortunately offered the job,” said Fox.

Philip Walker, General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln, said: “Securing employment even before graduating is an achievement in a difficult job market and Fox is grateful of the opportunity presented to her by Double Tree.

“I’m delighted to have landed my dream job so soon after finishing university. There will be challenges along the way, as with any job, but I’m going to work hard and do my best to repay the company for the fantastic opportunity,” said Fox.

Employability and Information Manager at the University of Lincoln Careers Service, Lesley O’Donnell, emphasised there are jobs for graduates who make the most of their time at university.

O’Donnell said: “Completing your course isn’t enough but if you can get involved with a university society, gain work experience and take part in something like The Lincoln Award, it boosts your CV and makes you more attractive to employers.

A survey of last summers’ graduates shows how 93 per cent of University of Lincoln’s leavers were in employment or further study after six months which is above the national average of 90%.